A Simple Guide to Applying for the Egypt Online Visa
Egypt is on the bucket list for history enthusiasts and travelers. While you can explore the pyramids of Giza using a tourist visa, you can also attend to business in Cairo with your business visa. In either case, citizens from multiple nations no longer have to queue up at the local Consulate to get their visa approved. You can just apply for the Egypt online visa!
Introduction to the Egypt Online Visa
Before 2017, traveling to Egypt involved a long wait time, standing in queues, and being interviewed by the Visa officials. To ease the worries of the travelers, boost tourism, and make the process seamless, the Egyptian Government launched the eVisa program.
What is an Egypt Online Visa?
The Egypt eVisa is a digital travel tool that acts as an alternative to the traditional visa. This can be availed by the citizens of eligible nations who hold a valid passport. Further, their reason for travel should align with the categories for which an eVisa can be availed.
Overview of the eVisa and Its Purpose
The Egyptian eVisa can be availed only for tourism and business, and only for citizens of certain countries. With both single entry and multi entry options, the Egypt eVisa allows travelers to explore the country.
When opting for the single entry visa, you will have a visa validity of 90 days and an allowable stay for a period of 30 days from the date of your entry. However, the multi entry visa will stay valid for 180 days from approval with an allowable stay of 30 days pertaining to each visit.
Differences Between eVisa and Visa on Arrival
The prime difference between the two is that the former is a pre-travel authorization, i.e., you have to apply for Egypt online visa before traveling. In case of a visa on arrival, you will have to apply with the Immigration helpdesk at your destination airport.
In either situation, not all countries are eligible for a visa on arrival or even an eVisa. Check your country's eligibility before getting started on your visa form.
Benefits of the Egypt Online Visa
The biggest reasons why people from eligible countries should apply for Egypt online visa are the user friendly features and faster processing times for each visa form. By opting for the eVisa, you can apply using a few simple steps and save time that you would have otherwise spent by standing in a line at the Consulate. You will also have a confirmation in hand before traveling, thus saving time at the airport immigration.
Who Can Apply for Egypt Online Visa?
Only those visiting Egypt for tourism or business purposes can opt for an eVisa. For every other visa type, people will have to visit the Consulate, submit the necessary paperwork, and get an interview appointment with a visa officer.
To add, not all nationals can apply for the Egypt online visa. In order to check if your country is eligible for an eVisa, visit the official site.
Visa Exempt Nations
If you are a citizen of the GCC countries, i.e., UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, or Saudi Arabia, then you have the option to travel visa free to Egypt. Further, if you are a Lebanese citizen, then you can visit Egypt for 90 days without a visa.
To add, those from the UK, the USA, and the EU can visit Egypt visa free only if they stay in one of the below cities:
- Sharm El Sheikh,
- Dahab,
- Nuweiba, and
- Tawa
Visa Options for Different Travel Purposes
In case you wish to visit Egypt for any purpose other than tourism or business, you will have to apply in person at your local Consulate.
The other visa options that you can avail include:
- Education visa: For pursuing a course at an Egyptian university or institute.
- Employment visa: To be availed when you have received an offer of employment with a company based out of Egypt.
- Medical visa: For seeking treatment at one of Egypt's hospitals
- Sports or cultural visa: In order to take part in an event that is being organized in Egypt
- Transit visa: For people traveling through Egypt and using it as a transit stop.
When availing of the consular route, carry all required supporting documents with you.
Requirements for an Egypt Online Visa
When applying for an online Visa to Egypt, you will need the below:
Passport Validity and Scanned Copies
The validity of the passport against which you have to apply the visa should be for a minimum of 6 months from your date of arrival in Egypt. Scan and create a digital copy of both your passport and photographs as specified on the website for your visa form.
Personal Information and Contact Details
During the approval process, your passport is the first point of verification. Hence, they must be filled in accurately and as written on your passport. Put in the local address and contact details as proof of accommodation.
Payment Method for Visa Fee
As you apply for an Egypt online Visa and have to make a payment, use a debit and a credit card.
Paying Attention to Online Application
Applying for a visa using the online route involves filing an application with the official portal, paying for said visa form, and awaiting a confirmation that is obtained via email.
To explore in detail, the method includes:
Steps for Completing the Application
Using the online portal for visa application, create an account. Find out the list of documents that you will need when applying for your visa and if they are to be issued in some specific language or format. Once you know about the requirements and have collected said documents, get started on your visa form.
Fill in the details as specified on your passport and take care to be accurate.
Submission and Processing of the Application
Once your visa form is complete, read through it twice to root out any mistakes or inaccuracies in the information supplied. Once you have checked your form in detail, opt for payment. You may pay using a valid bank card that has sufficient funds.
Unless the payment is complete and confirmed, no visa application goes for further processing. Once you receive a payment confirmation, submit your form and wait to receive a confirmation through the email ID submitted.
Average Processing Time and What to Expect
At the very least, you will receive an approval within 96 hours of applying via the online portal. However, the standard wait time is stated as 4 - 7 days.
Our advice is to apply well before the standard wait time so that you have ample time to receive an approved visa before your date of departure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
People are often careless about spelling their names differently on the application form. This is a mistake that will get the visa application rejected right away. Besides, you also need to be cautious about providing other personal details correctly.
Another thing to keep in mind is not to embellish any information that you supply since each data is verified by the visa officials. While mistakes in your visa form can lead to delays, intentionally submitting wrong information can lead to cancellation and even a travel ban.
Tips for a Smooth Application Experience
Going to Egypt will give you the trip and memories of a lifetime! All you have to do is apply for an Egypt online visa by following the simple steps mentioned above. Needless to say, this eliminates the hassle of queuing up for your visa application. Acquiring an eVisa approval does not take much time, and it enables you to get started on your journey very soon.
Check your eligibility for Online Egypt Visa and apply for Egypt e-Visa 5 (five) days in advance of your flight. Citizens of many countries including US citizens, Brazilian citizens, Croatian citizens, Russian citizens and Italian citizens can apply online for Egypt e-Visa.